Daily GK Updates - 4th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. India’s largest floating Solar Power Plant opened in Kerala: India’s largest floating Solar Power plant was inaugurated by the State Power Minister, MM Mani, in Kerala. The plant is built at Banasura Sagar dam Kerala. The total budget for the project is Rs. 9.25 crore. The solar power plant is built by the Thiruvananthapuram-based Ad Tech Systems.

2.  World Telugu Conference (WTC-2017) to be held: The World Telugu Conference (WTC) will be held at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Hyderabad, Telangana from December 15 with focus on how the Telugu language is preserved, protected, enriched in the Telangana region. The conference will provide the data related to Telugu Conferences (Telugu Maha Sabhalu) and eminent Telugu Personalities across the Globe. President Ram Nath Kovind will be the chief guest of the 5-day event and the Telangana Sahitya Akademi will be the nodal agency for the conference.

3. Navy Day observed: The Indian Navy day is observed every year on 4th December. The Navy Day is observed every year to celebrate achievements and role of the naval force in the country. The Indian Navy is commanded by the President of India as Commander-in-Chief. It is the marine branch of the Indian Armed Forces. Sunil Lamba is the current Chief of the Naval Staff.

4. Tendu leaf bonus festival inaugurated: The Tendu leaf bonus festival kicked off in Chhattisgarh, and Chief Minister Raman Singh distributed bonus to the tendu leaf collectors of Bastar and Bijapur. The 10-day festival began from the Bijapur district. In addition to increasing the tendu leaves collection rate from Rs 1800 to Rs 2500 per sack, Mr Singh also announced a bonus to the collectors.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Iran President opens the first phase of Chabahar port: Iran President Hassan Rouhani  inaugurated the first phase of the Chabahar port project which is known as the Shahid Beheshti port. With the inauguration of the port, it had opened a new strategic transit route between Iran, India and Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. The Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar is now the only and largest port in Iran on the Indian Ocean and will significantly help in regional development with the rest of world countries.

2. Venezuela to launch cryptocurrency ‘Petro’: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the launch of the “petro” backed by oil reserves to shore up a collapsed economy. “Venezuela will create a cryptocurrency,” backed by oil, gas, gold and diamond reserves, Maduro said. He also said that it would help Venezuela “advance in issues of monetary sovereignty, to make financial transactions and overcome the financial blockade.”

3. First International Conference on AYUSH & Wellness sector begins in New Delhi: The first International Exhibition and Conference on AYUSH and Wellness sector- AROGYA 2017 began in New Delhi today. The theme of the conference is ‘Enhancing the global potential of AYUSH’. AYUSH is the acronym of - Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy’.           

OTHER UPDATES

SPORTS:

1.  Deepika Kumari wins bronze medal Archery World Cup: Deepika Kumari of India has won the bronze medal at the Indoor Archery World Cup which was concluded in Bangkok. Korean Kim Surin defeated Deepika Kumari by 6-5.

OBITUARIES:

1. Shashi Kapoor passes away: Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor passed away at the age of 79 after suffering from prolonged illness. Kapoor, who started his career as a child actor in his father plays, was well-known for his roles in films like Deewar, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, amongst others. He was honoured with a Padma Bhushan for his contributions to art & cinema in 2011. He also received a Dadasaheb Phalke award in 2015.

Daily GK Updates - 3rd December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. India gets Certificate of Commendation by CITES: India was awarded the certificate of commendation for its effort to combat illegal wildlife trade by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora. The award was given to Wildlife Crime Control Bureau for its efforts in conducting and coordinating species-specific wildlife enforcement operation, codenamed ‘Operation Save Kurma’. CITES was signed in 1973.

2. Shared Value Summit (SVS-2017) held in New Delhi: The summit was organised by Shared Value Initiative India, Institute for Competitiveness (India), and SoulAce & India Council on Competitiveness in association with BusinessLine. The theme of the summit was “Equity and Empowerment”. The purpose of the summit is to encourage businesses to adopt the practice of shared value by imbibing the spirit of inclusivity in their business models. The summit aims to provide a platform to identify and address the barriers that exist to equality and empowerment in the Indian society.

3. The world’s first IT Campus for differently-abled persons: The Telangana State Government will set up the world’s first IT Campus for differently-abled persons. On the occasion of the World Disability Day (WDD), the state Government has signed an agreement with Vindhya E-Infomedia Private Limited to set up the Information and Technology (IT) campus to focus on creating employment opportunities for persons with disabilities on December 3, 2017. The proposed campus will be set up near the Hyderabad international airport.

4. 33 years of Bhopal Gas Tragedy: The tragedy that struck the Bhopal city three decades ago occurred on the intervening night of December 2 and 3, 1984. Even after 33 years, the victims of Bhopal gas tragedy are still complaining of not being provided with proper medical facilities, better living conditions and employment. Also, the toxic waste lying in the defunct Union Carbide is yet to be disposed off.

5. ‘Bandhan Tod’ app for school girl: Patna-based Gender Alliance, an initiative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), had launched the Android-based app named ‘Bandhan Tod’. It is to sensitize people across the state against dowry, child marriage, domestic violence and gender inequality.

5. D K Sarraf appointed as PNGRB Chairman: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of D K Sarraf, as the new Chairman of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board.

6. Mission SAMPARK launched: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the National Strategic Plan 2017-24 aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030.

Mission SAMPARK was also launched to trace those who are left to Follow Up and are to be brought under Antiretroviral therapy services. The National Strategic Plan 2017-24 will pave a roadmap not only for achieving the target of 90:90:90 Strategy.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. ‘Populism’ Named Word of the Year: The word ‘populism’ has been announced as Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2017. The dictionary defined populism as “political ideas and activities that are intended to get the support of ordinary people by giving them what they want”. It said searches for ‘populism’ rose when Pope Francis made statements warning against its rising tide.

2.  New President of Republic of Kenya: Uhuru Kenyatta has been sworn-in for a second and final five-year term for the post of President of Republic of Kenya, a month after winning a bitterly disputed election rerun marked by delays and boycott. Kenyatta won 98% of the votes cast in October’s poll, which was boycotted by the main opposition leader, Raila Odinga, who alleged the poll wouldn’t be free and fair.

3. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: The United Nations’ International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is annually held on December 2 to raise awareness of the atrocities of modern slavery. The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation etc. It was first celebrated in 1986.

4. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed every year on December 3 to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The 2017 theme is “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all”.

5. Jenny Kim crowned as Miss Supranational 2017: 24-year-old model and Miss Korea Jenny Kim has bagged the title of Miss Supranational 2017 at the gala event, which was held in Poland’s Spa Resort of Krynica- Zdroj. Miss Columbia Tica Martinez and Romania’s Bianca Tirsin were adjudged First Runner’s Up and the second runner-up in the event, respectively.

OTHER UPDATES

SPORTS:

1. Mary Kom resigns as the National Observer for Indian Boxing: M C Mary Komhas resigned as the national observer for Indian boxing after Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore made it clear that active sportspersons will not be considered for the position. Mary Kom was among 12 national observers appointed in March 2017.

Daily GK Updates - 2nd December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Surya Prakash re-appointed as Chairman of Prasar Bharati: A. Surya Prakash has been re-appointed as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati Board. President Ram Nath Kovind approved the appointment on the recommendation of the Selection Committee. Prasar Bharati was established by a 1990 Act of Parliament, as an autonomous body. It is India's largest public broadcasting agency. It comprises of Doordarshan television and All India Radio.

2. The 31st edition of the Konark festival begins in Odisha: The festival is held every year from 1st December to 5th December. The objective of the festival is to promote the diverse Indian dance heritage as well as the popularity of Konark Temple and Odisha as a tourist destination. The festival was first stated in 1986 which is organized in the state jointly by Odisha Tourism and Odissi Research Centre.

3. ‘Two’, the first novel in English by Gulzar released: Veteran lyricist Gulzar has come out with his novel ‘Two’ which is a debut novel in English. The novel revolves around the area of Punjab which became Pakistan after Partition. The novel was originally written in “Urdu’ later it translated into the English form.

4. National Nutrition Mission approved by Union Cabinet: The Union Cabinet has approved the setting of National Nutrition Mission (NNM) with an outlay of 9046.17 crore rupees for three years. It will be rolled out in three phases from 2017-18 to 2019-20.The function of NNM is to monitor various schemes contributing towards addressing malnutrition. More than 10 crore people will be benefitted by this programme. All the States and districts will be covered in a phased manner i.e. 315 districts in 2017-18, 235 districts in 2018-19 and remaining districts in 2019-20. It is the apex body for the said purpose under Ministry of Women and Child Development.

5. West Bengal to setup Green University: A bill named ‘West Bengal Green University Bill 2017’ has been passed in West Bengal to set up an environmental studies university at Hooghly district. State Education Minister tabled the Bill in Assembly & West Bengal becomes the first state to have a university dedicated to environmental studies.

6. Coast Guard conducts “Clean Sea-2017”: Indian Coast Guard conducted regional level Marine Oil Pollution Response Exercise titled ‘Clean Sea – 2017’ at sea off Port Blair, Andaman Nicobar Islands. The objective of this exercise was to ascertain preparedness of the ICG in responding to a major oil spill. ICG has been entrusted with the responsibility to protect the marine environment in the maritime zones of India.

7. NCRB releases Crime in India 2016 Statistics: Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh released ‘Crime in India – 2016’ published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The number of Murder cases across India decreased by 5.2% from 2015-16.Cases under ‘Crime Against Women’ in the year 2016 (338954) increased marginally compared to 2015 (329243).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. India re-elected to International Maritime Organisation Council: India has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation. India secured the second-highest 144 number of votes from member countries, after Germany’s 146 votes. YK Sinha, India’s ambassador to the UK, represented India at the assembly in London. India joined the International Maritime Organisation Council as a member in 1959. IMO is headquartered in London.

2. US Senate passes biggest tax overhaul in nearly 40 years: The US Senate voted 51-49 in favour of passing a bill which proposes the country’s biggest overhaul. These measures would cut the corporate tax rate to 20 percent from 35 percent -- though the Senate version would set that lower rate in 2019. The tax cut is expected to add more than  $1.4 trillion deficit over 10 years to the US national debt.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Infosys appoints Salil Parekh as CEO and MD: Mr. Parekh will join Infosys from Capgemini where he was a member of the Group Executive Board. He has a Masters degree from Cornells University and a Bachelors degree from IIT Bombay. Salil takes over as CEO of Infosys at a time when the company has seen some of its most tumultuous times.

2. Air India to be sold as an integrated airline: Air India’s domestic and international operations will be sold together and some of its subsidiaries could also be up for bidding as part of the main airline. Air India has a total debt of Rs. 48,877 crores at the end of March 2017, of which about Rs. 17,360 crores was aircraft loans and Rs. 31,517 crores as working capital loans. The airlines is also struggling to find a ‘fit’ buyer.

3. Google introduces ‘Datally’ app: Google launched Datally App to understand, control and save users mobile data themselves. Datally App will enable users to track their data usage in real time, and get personalized recommendations on saving data along with notifications of nearby available public Wi-Fi spots. 3 things of Datally helps users:  Understand your data, Control your data and save your data.

OBITUARIES:

1. Sreerupa Mukherjee, former woman cricketer passes away: Former woman cricketer of India & Coach Sreerupa Mukherjee passed away in Kolkata. She was 65 years old. She had played two One Day Internationals for India against New Zealand. She was also the cricket manager of the Indian women’s team during three World Cups — 1993, 1997 and 2000.

Daily GK Updates - 1st December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. BSF celebrates 52nd formation day today: The Border Security Force is celebrating its 52nd formation day on 1st December 2017. India's Border Security Force was formed on December 1 in 1965 after the Indo-Pak and India-China wars. With 186 battalions and over 2.4 lakh military personnel, the BSF is the largest border security unit in the world. KF Rustamji, from the Indian Police Service, was the first Director General of BSF while Krishan Kumar Sharma is the present Director General of BSF.

2. Armed Forces Week to be observed from 1-7 Dec - Defence Minister: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the Armed Forces Week from 1st – 7th December 2017. The objective is to encourage citizens to make financial contributions to the families of war heroes and to pay respects to the brave sons and daughters of our nation. The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed annually in India on December 7 since 1949.

3. Hornbill festival begins in Nagaland: The 18th Hornbill festival begins in Nagaland. The festival is celebrated from 1-10 December every year in Nagaland. It is also called the 'Festival of Festivals'. The first festival was held in 2000. The festival is celebrated at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.

4. ‘Jai Kisaan’ app launched: Goa CM Manohar Parrikar launched the Jai Kisaan App, a farmer engagement app containing features to fulfill the needs of the farmer community in India. It is a one-stop solution for agricultural information and cultivation. Its services include soil testing and customized information wherein farmers will have access to fertilizer recommendations on the basis of crop and target yields.

5. Indo-UK military exercise 'Ajeya Warrior- 2017' begins in Bikaner:  A combined military exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior- 2017’ between India and the UK begins in Rajasthan.

The exercise is being held in the Mahajan Field Firing Range near Bikaner of Rajasthan. The first exercise of this series was held in Belgium in 2013 and the second manoeuvres were held in the UK in 2015. The objective of this exercise is to increase mutual cooperation and coordination between the two countries.

6. Indian Army, Rajasthan Government sign MoU: Indian Army has signed a memorandum of understanding with Rajasthan State Government to improve infrastructure for their posts near the Indo-Pak border. As per the terms of the MoU, Indian Army will be able to use an airstrip in Lalgarh-Jatan area in Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan for 10 years. Rajasthan State Government has sanctioned funds for this airstrip.

7. One Rupee note turns 100: The one rupee note celebrates a century on 30th November 2017. The first one-rupee note was introduced on November 30, 1917, with the photo of King George V. In 1926, the RBI discontinued issuance of one-rupee note but it got reintroduced in 1940. In 1994 again the note get discontinued which got back reintroduced in 2015. The One Rupee note is issued by Ministry of Finance and it bears the signatures of Finance Secretary.

8. Cyclone Ockhi strikes in the Tamil Nadu & Kerala: The cyclone Ockhi strikes in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and some parts of Kerala state. Indian Meteorological Department issued a cyclone warning for south Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep islands.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. World AIDS day observed today: On 1st December, World AIDS Day is celebrated every year. The theme of 2017 AIDS Day is – ‘Right to health’. The main objective of AIDS day is to raise the public awareness about the disease. It is a pandemic disease caused due to the infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

2. North Korea tests “Hwasong-15” ICBM: North Korea has claimed that “Hwasong-15” is a new type of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) that can strike anywhere on the US mainland. Hwasong series represents the most successful and formidable part of its ballistic missile arsenal. The missile was reported to have flown for 50 minutes on a very high trajectory, reaching 2,796 miles(4,500km) above the earth.

3. Sibi George appointed as the Ambassador to the Holy See (See of Rome): Sibi George was appointed the next Ambassador of India to the Holy See. Sibi George is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer of 1993 batch. He is presently Ambassador of India to Switzerland. He has been concurrently appointed the next Ambassador of India to the Holy See, with residence in Berne.

4. Dia Mirza appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for India: Actor-activist Dia Mirza has been appointed UN (United Nations) Environment’s Goodwill Ambassador for India. She has been recognised by the United Nations for her contribution to environment conservation. She will work with the UN to further spread the message on priority areas including clean air, clean seas, wildlife protection and climate change.

OTHER UPDATES

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. Co-operatives not to use word ‘Bank’: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked co-operative societies not use the word ‘Bank’ in their names as it violates the Banking Regulation Act. RBI has specified that using ‘bank’ in the name of cooperative societies violates Section 7 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. As per the statement of RBI, such societies have not been issued any licence under the Banking Regulation Act.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Global Entrepreneurship Summit concludes: Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 was held in Hyderabad from 28th – 30th November 2017. GES 2017 was hosted by NITI Aayog in partnership with Government of the United States of America. It is the annual entrepreneurship gathering which serves as meeting point for emerging entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. Theme of GES 2017 was “Women First, Prosperity for All”.

SPORTS:

1. France wins its 10th Davis Cup (in tennis): France won its 10th Davis Cup title when France’s Lucas Pouille beat Belgium’s Steve Darcis by 6-3 6-1 6-0 to give France a 3-2 victory in the final against Belgium. This is France’s first title since they beat Australia in 2001 before three defeats in the final in 2002, 2010 and 2014. 

Daily GK Updates - 30th November, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Global Centre for Security and Counter-Terrorism to be set up in Jaipur: Central Government has sanctioned Rs 275 crore for establishing a Global Centre for Security and Counter-Terrorism in Jaipur, Rajasthan.  Announcement in this regard was made by Rajasthan Home Minister, Gulab Chand Kataria on November 28, 2017. Central Government will allocate Rs. 165 crore and Rajasthan State Government will bear Rs 110 crore for setting-up this centre.

2. Snehlata appointed as Secretary General of the Lok Sabha: Snehlata Shrivastava, a 1982-batch retired IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the first woman Secretary General of the Lok Sabha. Her appointment to this post was made by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. She will replace Anoop Mishra, who is retiring on November 30, 2017.

3. SAUBHAGYA Scheme launched in Manipur: The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) was launched in Manipur by Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh and Shri N. Biren Singh, CM of Manipur. A total of approximately 1.75 lakh households are proposed to be included under the Scheme. This is such a scheme where the poorest of the poor can afford electricity in their homes.

4. 48th edition of IFFI concludes at Goa: International Film Festival of India concluded with the world premiere of Indo-Argentinian co-production “Thinking of Him”, directed by Pablo Cesar. Robin Campillo’s French film 120 Beats Per Minute, won the prestigious Golden Peacock award for best film at the controversy-ridden 48th International Film Festival of India. The film’s actor Nahuel Perez Biscayart won the Silver Peacock in the best actor male category. The legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with the Indian film personality of the year Award at the glittering closing ceremony.

5. Chhattisgarh government bans firecrackers: The Chhattisgarh Government has imposed a ban on the bursting of firecrackers in six of its cities, including the state capital Raipur, ahead of the wedding season from December 1st to January 31st, 2018. According to the statement issued by the State Environment Conservation Board, the decision has been taken to control the pollution, which increases during winters due to the direction of wind.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Victoria legalises Euthanasia: Victoria became the first Australian state to legalize assisted dying or euthanasia. Lawmakers voted to allow terminally ill patients the right to request a lethal drug to end their lives from June 2019.

2. Distinguished Indologist award for Hiroshi Marui: President Kovind conferred the 3rd Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Distinguished Indologist Award on Professor Hiroshi Marui of Japan at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Marui has spent over 40 years working on Indian philosophy and Buddhist Studies. He is President of Japanese Association of Indian and Buddhist Studies and has made significant contribution to Indology in Japan.

3. India donates 500 tonnes of rice to Lesotho: India donated 500 metric tonnes of rice to the Kingdom of Lesotho (in Southern Africa), which is facing acute food shortage due to famine. High Commissioner of India to South Africa and Lesotho, Ruchira Kamboj handed over the donation to the government of Lesotho.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Karnataka Bank ties up with BCG Group for KBL Vikaas project: Karnataka Bank Ltd has partnered with the Boston Consulting Group (India) Pvt Ltd for its transformation initiatives and the transformation project ‘KBL Vikaas’. It is aimed at total transformation of the bank by re-positioning it as a relevant and significant bank by focusing on technology and by keeping intact its core values and identity.

2. USIBC announces program for women entrepreneurs: U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) announced a collaborative initiative titled “Women for Women Innovators, Social Leaders & Entrepreneurs”. This announcement was made during USIBC’s road to Global Entrepreneurship Summit event, “Creating the Foundations of Innovation” in Hyderabad. It will offer leadership, mentoring, and development opportunities for women entrepreneurs and innovators.

SPORTS:

1. Odisha CM unveils logo & mascot of Hockey World Cup 2018: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik has unveiled Logo and mascot of Hockey World Cup 2018 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. As many as 16 countries, including hosts India, will participate in the 14th edition of the Hockey World Cup. CM Patnaik also launched the countdown timer for the international event scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar late next year.

2. Mirabai Chanu wins gold medal at World Weightlifting Championship: Mirabai Chanu has become the first Indian in over two decades to claim a gold medal at the World Weightlifting Championship in Anaheim, USA. She lifted 85kg in snatch and 109kg in clean and jerk to total an impressive 194kg in the women's 48kg.

Daily GK Updates - 29th November, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Shaktikanta Das named India’s G20 Sherpa: Former economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das has been appointed India’s G20 Sherpa for the Development Track of the grouping. The Department of Economic Affairs will provide necessary support to the Sherpa. A Sherpa is a personal representative of the leader of a member country at an international Summit meeting such as the G8/G20 or the Nuclear Security Summit. Finance Track is managed by the Economic Affairs Secretary (Ministry of Finance), as India’s Deputy to G-20 and the Development Track is coordinated by the Sherpa.

2. Pradeep Singh Kharolam - the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Air India: Pradeep Singh Kharola, a 1985 batch IAS officer of Karnataka cadre, has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Air India. He will succeed Rajiv Bansal, who has been serving as the interim CMD for a little over 3 months. Currently, Mr. Kharola is the Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.

3. Union ministry has launched India Hypertension Management Initiative (IHMI): The India Hypertension Management Initiative (IHMI) has been launched by Preeti Sudan (Secretary of Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)) and Dr. Soumya Swaminathan (Director of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)) in New Delhi on November 28, 2017. The purpose of IHMI is to reduce disability and death related to Cardio-Vascular Disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in India. The initiative seeks to improve control of high blood pressure (hypertension), cut salt consumption and eliminate artificial trans-fats regarded as leading risk factors for CVD.

4. Badri Narain Sharma appointed the Chairman of the newly constituted National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA): Badri Narain Sharma, the 1985 batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, has been appointed the chairman of the newly constituted National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. Prior to this appointment, Sharma was an Additional Secretary in the Department of Revenue. The NAA has been set up for a two-year period and is mandated to ensure that the benefits of input credit and the reduction in tax rates effected by the GST Council are passed on to the consumers.    

5. India’s first rooftop solar carport: Tata Power Solar Systems has commissioned India’s first rooftop solar carport at 70000 sq. meter Unity One Mall, in Rohini, Delhi.

Tata Power Solar Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power Company. Solar carports are overhead canopies (mounted with solar panel) built to cover parking areas. This solar carport will make the mall self-sufficient in terms of energy requirement.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1.  Aung San Suu Kyi stripped of Freedom of Oxford award: Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been stripped of the Freedom of Oxford award over her "inaction" in handling the raging Rohingya refugee crisis.Oxford City Council in London voted unanimously to permanently remove the honor given to her in 1997.The Rohingya Muslims have fled to the neighboring country following a military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state, creating one of the world's most dire refugee crisis.

2. India & Greece sign Air Services Agreement: India and Greece have signed Air Services Agreement and MoU on Cooperation in the field of New and Renewable Energy in New Delhi.The pacts were inked after talks between Sushma Swaraj (External Affairs Minister) and visiting Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece Nikos Kotzias.The two leaders have also re-affirmed commitment to further expand cooperation in mutually beneficial spheres.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Amazon India launches 'Saheli Store' for Women Entrepreneurs: E-commerce website Amazon India has launched a new programme “Amazon Saheli” to empowering and enabling women entrepreneurs across the country to sell their products on its marketplace. ‘Amazon India’ has collaborated with organizations that work with towards encouraging women entrepreneurship, including Self-employed Women's Association and Impulse Social Enterprise.

2. Air India Express gets CAT-III-B: Air India Express (AIE), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India, has secured the Category III-B certification. By gaining this certification, Air India Express flights can now land and takeoff in low visibility conditions even up to an RVR (runway visual range) as low as up to 50 meters. This certification is mandatory to operate during fog season which sets in Northern India.

SPORTS:

1. 7th world military games to be held at Wuhan in China: The 7th international military games will be held in Wuhan city in the central China's Hubei Province. The Military World Games is a multi-sport event for military sportspeople, organized by the International Military Sports Council (CISM).It contains 329 competitions in 27 categories, expected to attract around 8,000 participants from more than 100 countries and regions. The slogan is of the games is "Military glory, world peace".

2. Pankaj Advani wins World Snooker Championship: Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani secured his 18th World Championship title with 8-2 win over Amir Sarkhosh (Iran) at Al-Arabi Sports Club, Doha, Qatar.The best-of-15 frame final witnessed Amir pocketing the first frame rather comfortably. Earlier, Advani had won his 17th world title at the same venue when he won the IBSF World Billiards Championship defeating Mike Russell of England.

Daily GK Updates - 28th November, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Hyderabad Metro Rail: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the 30 km-long (24 stations)  Hyderabad Metro Rail from Miyapur to Nagole. The Hyderabad Metro Rail Project will cover a total distance of 72 kilometers across three corridors. Its second and final phase is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

2. International Ambedkar Conclave: President Ramnath Kovind inaugurated the International Ambedkar Conclave. It was organised by the Forum of SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarians.

3. NGT directs all states to submit Coastal Zone Management Plan before 30th April 2018: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, directed all states and Union territories (UT) to submit a Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) to the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests before 30th April next year. They will be liable for an exemplary cost of Rs 5 lakh (if they fail to submit a plan), which will be recovered from the salary of the concerned defaulting officers. The Coastal zone management involves managing of coastal areas to balance environmental, economic and human health-related activities.

4. Odisha launches Fish Pond Yojana: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the ‘Fish Pond Yojana’. Aim of this scheme is to boost fish production in Odisha. The scheme has been launched with a budgetary provision of Rs 96 crore. Under the scheme, additional 2200 hectare of freshwater aquaculture farming will be created, for which farmers will be given 50% financial assistance from state government.

5. IMMSAREX-17 begins: Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Multilateral Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise-2017 started in Bay of Bengal on November 27, 2017. The exercise was inaugurated by Bangladesh President Md Abdul Hamid near Inani Beach at Cox’s Bazar. Objective for conducting this exercise is to increase regional cooperation between IONS member states. First edition of IONS was held in 2008 in New Delhi.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Miss South Africa is crowned Miss Universe 2017: Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters has been crowned Miss Universe 2017 at Planet Hollywood casino-resort on the Las Vegas Strip.Nel-Peters beat out first runner-up Laura González (Miss Colombia) and second runner-up Davina Bennett (Miss Jamaica) for the crown.Nearly 100 women from across the globe travel to compete in the 66th Miss Universe competition.

2. PM Modi inaugurates Global Entrepreneurship Summit: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the eighth edition of Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad. This will be the first Global Entrepreneurship Summit in which over 52.5% of the participants are women and theme is ‘Women First, Prosperity for All’.

3. Britain appoints Karen Pierce as its new Ambassador to UN: Britain has appointed Karen Pierce as its new Ambassador to the UN. He replaced incumbent Matthew Rycroft. This is for the first time in 70 years that Britain would have no judge in the 15-member panel of the ICJ.

4. 7th IMG to be held in China: The 7th international military games will be held in Wuhan city in the central China‘s Hubei Province. The International Military Sports Council (CISM)’s Military World Games is a top sports event for military personnel.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Asian Development Bank to provide a 150 million USD loan to Nepal: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a 150 million USD loan to Nepal to improve its urban infrastructure.The agreement for investment will cover eight municipalities located in southern Terai and far west of Nepal.The project will be completed within five years and is expected to enhance urban infrastructure in the Terai region.

2. Aegon appoints Vineet Arora as MD & CEO: Aegon Life Insurance has appointed Vineet Arora as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, effective from January 2018. Vineet Arora will replace K S Gopalakrishnan who had left the company on November 17, 2017.

3. Ruskin Bond gets Lifetime Achievement Award: The Chandigarh Literary Society awarded children’s author Ruskin Bond its first Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Chandigarh Lit Fest ‘Literati-2017’ at the Lake Club, in Chandigarh. The Lifetime Achievement Award given to Ruskin Bond consisted of a citation and Rs 2 lakh cash.

Ruskin Bond’s first novel was “Room on the Roof” at 17 years.

4. Ishaan Khatter wins Best Actor award: Actor Ishaan Khattar has won the Best Actor award for his debut film ‘Beyond The Clouds’ at the International Bosphorus Film Festival in Turkey. Beyond The Clouds’ has been directed by Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi.

SPORTS:

1. Srikanth, Sindhu win awards at the Indian Sports Honours: Ace shuttler Kidambi Srikanth bagged the Sportsman of the Year award at the inaugural edition of Indian Sports Honours held in Mumbai. Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu was the Sportswoman of the Year award in the individual sports category. Ravichandran Ashwin was awarded Sportsman of the Year award while women's cricket team skipper Mithali Raj was awarded Sportswoman of the Year award in the Team Sport category. The Indian Women's Cricket Team (runners-up in the ICC Women's World Cup) were named as the Team of the Year. Tennis player Sania Mirza was awarded the Inspirational Honour by the jury. Country's first Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra was honored with the Transformational Contribution to Sports award.

2. Bajrang Punia & Vinod Kumar win silver medals at U-23 Worlds Wrestling: Asian champion Bajrang Punia and Vinod Kumar settled for silver medals at the Under-23 World Wrestling Championship in Poland.Bajrang lost the 65kg final 6-17 to Russian grappler Kuular while Vinod lost 1-3 to American Richard Lewis.Earlier, Ritu Phogat had won a silver medal in the women's 48kg final.India finished with three medals at the event.